Getting Ready for the First Show

Carolyn is in the process of getting Lola ready for the Richmond RBA show next weekend.  Filling out the paperwork was a bit confusing and thank goodness for being able to google a lot of unfamiliar rabbit terms.  Now we will cross our fingers and hope that it was done correctly.  Today, Carolyn will trim Lola's toe nails and begin a daily process of blowing out her fur.  We usually groom her on Sunday and take a slicker brush to her fur.  Lola loves to be groomed and doesn't mind laying on her back at all.  We don't have an expensive blower.  We will be using our own blow dryer on its cool setting - I had read an article(http://www.angorarabbit.com/angora/angora-guide/index.htm) on the internet that this could be used in a pinch.  Well, whatever happens, we will enjoy a night in a hotel and the learning experience that goes along with the show.

First Scarf Ever!

Adding hot soapy water to begin the felting process.

Brushing to remove wool from Lola to use in the scarf.

Carolyn worked all afternoon yesterday to complete her first ever scarf.  She was able to use some wool from her angora rabbit, Lola, with some merino wool and silk that we got from a friend.  She had a wonderful time making it and can't wait to try again.  Next time she wants to include some bits of wool yarn as well.  I'm thinking a fun fringe would be nice also.

Rabbits have arrived!

Carolyn's long wait for rabbits is finally over.  We drove to Easton, MD last Saturday to meet Pamela Barnes (Two Oaks Farm) who was there showing some of her French Angoras.  She had brought along the two rabbits she had carefully selected for Carolyn to start her rabbitry with - a torte buck and a rew doe.  These babies were 4 months old, but wow do they look large! Their junior coat is about 3 inches.

Learning to Weave

I am using an Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom to weave yarn, fun fur, and ribbon.  I made a scarf.  It took four hours.  I had fun.  I liked warping the loom best. Warping is when you put the yarn on the loom and run back and forth wrapping it around a post about six feet away. Then you pull it through the reeds with a hook.